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Direct sales pioneers Canyon caused a stir when they released the original Grail CF. An unconventional frameset was topped with the very unconventional hover bar. This standout feature uses a proprietary carbon-fibre bar and stem system to allow shock absorbing flex. The Grail CF returns for 2020 with a raft of new colour schemes and component updates reflecting the latest developments.
Tony the Tiger says “They’re Graaaaaaail!”
SRAM or Shimano. You choose.
Again, Canyon are using both Shimano and SRAM groupsets. Shimano equipping the 2x bikes and SRAM those with 1x drivetrains. For the Shimano spec’d bikes traditional road groupsets have been ousted and the new gravel groupset GRX takes on gear shifting duties. Depending on the model sub-compact 48/31 or 46/30 chainsets paired with 11-34 cassettes are fitted.
The Grail is also available in WMN spec, aimed at Women, and men with shorter torsos and longer legs.
Chaingang
Single chainring fans with deep pockets will be delighted to see that the SRAM options include an X01 Eagle & Force eTap AXS blend offering a 500% gear range operated by a wireless push-button action. Shimano fans need not feel left out as GRX Di2 is also offered. Tubeless compatible wheels and tyres are fitted across the range, exactly as you’d hope in 2020.
The range topping SLX 8.0 ETAP is high in carbon and low on cabling!
Light Fantastic
The Grail CF is available in two frame specs, SL or SLX. The SL weighs in at an impressive 1040g while the SLX is a mere 830g (both in Medium), astonishing for a bike aimed at terrain far from the beaten track. The nine model line-up starts with the Carbon Grail SL7.0 (£2049) sporting the new Shimano GRX-600 and it topped out by the cutting edge Grail CF SLX 8.0 ETAP (£4549). The WMN range, despite its name, it not aimed solely at females. Canyon say the geometry and sizing is aimed at all riders with low body mass and shorter torso relative to their leg length.
ETAP gearsets are also offered on the CF SL framesets.
Details on the full range can be found at Canyon.com
Last modified: 3rd October 2019
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